Father, We Praise Thee
Father, we praise thee, now the day is over
This hymn emphasizes the Christian practice of evening prayer and committing the day's labor to God's care, reflecting Lutheran piety regarding the rhythm of daily prayer and trust in divine providence. It embodies the Reformation emphasis on personal devotion while maintaining connection to ancient Christian worship practices.
History & Background
Written by Sabine Baring-Gould in 1867 as a hymn for evening worship, derived from ancient Latin evening hymn traditions. It became widely adopted in English-speaking Lutheran and Anglican churches throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 645
- The Hymnal 1982 — 1
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 267
- Lutheran Service Book — 875
- Lutheran Worship — 482
Bulletin Note
Sabine Baring-Gould (1834–1924), English hymnist and clergyman, wrote this evening prayer hymn in 1867. It recovers the medieval Christian practice of commending day's end to God—a devotion Luther championed for daily reformation.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens any sermon on providence or daily prayer by moving listeners from the Law's exposure of human anxiety and weakness into the Gospel's assurance of divine guardianship and rest.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Cosmic proclamation of Christ's birth moves from heavenly announcement (angels) through earthly witnesses (shepherds, sages) to eschatological hope (saints awaiting return), culminating in universal call to worship
Themes
Evening prayer and praise Divine protection and rest Trust in God's care Evening worship